These days, many surgeries are performed so quickly and efficiently that it’s quite easy to forget that going under the knife is often a big deal, and it can take some time before you’re on the mend. You can improve your recovery by following a few simple tips.
• You need to follow your doctor’s instructions
Often patients will disregard any information they don’t think is necessary or pertains to them. If your doctor tells you something – such as don’t have a bath for a certain period after surgery – it’s for a good reason.
• It’s important to go to follow-up appointments
If everything has gone well and you seem to be healing without any problems, you may think a check-up is a waste of time. But it is still important to see your doctor. They may be looking for things you cannot see or need to adjust your medication.
• Keep your pain under control
Some people don’t like to take pain medication because they are worried about becoming dependent on it or even addicted to it. But it is crucial to keep pain at a manageable level. If you don’t, you may have trouble moving around, which can lead to potentially fatal blood clots. Taking painkillers can also make it easier to breathe and cough, which reduces the chance of pneumonia. Good pain control also makes it easier to sleep, which speeds up the healing process. Waiting until pain is severe is not a good idea because it can take a while for some drugs to take effect.
• Check your incision
The thought of looking at their surgical wound freaks some people out, but it is a good idea to make sure it is healing properly and not showing signs of infection. If you need to care for it, make sure you have thoroughly washed your hands first. Don’t overclean – this can hamper healing. Many surgeons recommend showers instead of baths until the incision has healed.
• Know when you’ve got a problem
You will most likely experience some pain and discomfort after surgery, but it is important to know the difference between normal symptoms and signs of an emergency. If you are bleeding, have severe pain, can’t urinate, have difficulty breathing, can’t keep food or water down, have unusual swelling (especially in a leg), have an area of tender redness around the incision or signs of infection, such as pus, you should get medical help straight away.
• Get moving
Getting back on your feet after an operation is vital because it helps to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia. It can also help you to avoid constipation, which can be a side effect of having an anaesthetic. Talk to your doctor about the best way for you to get moving following your particular surgery.
• Try to get your bowels back on track
Bowel activity can slow down after surgery and it may take a while for things to get back to normal. Make sure you are eating a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water. One study found that chewing sugarless gum shortened the time between surgery and passing a bowel movement.
• Eat well
Not only will it help your bowels, but getting plenty of crucial nutrients like vitamin C and zinc can help with healing. Just be aware that some foods, including garlic, can act as blood thinners.
